The Australian Medical Association (WA) has advised people to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness as temperatures rise in coming days.
AMA (WA) President Dr Andrew Miller said the next few days were expected to be very hot and were potentially dangerous ones for West Australians, especially children, the elderly and people with existing health conditions.
“It’s vital that people remain properly hydrated and adjust their activities to cope with the hot temperatures,” Dr Miller said.
“With this summer looking like it will be hotter than usual, it’s also important to remember to check on your older next-door neighbours and to remind yourself of the health of your four-legged friends.”
“Heatwaves can have serious health effects due to heatstroke and dehydration, or can lead to physical accidents as more and more people turn to our waterways to keep cool.
”Heat is a silent killer. Most Australians do not realise that heat is the leading cause of weather-related death, killing more people than cyclones, floods and bushfires combined.”
Dr Miller advised West Australians to try and remain indoors or in the shade, to stay hydrated, wear light clothing and to look out for any signs of heat exhaustion.
